Dipyridamole (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Dipyridamole is used with other drugs to reduce the risk of blood clots after heart valve replacement. It works by preventing excessive blood clotting.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How this medication should be used
Dipyridamole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dipyridamole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take dipyridamole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dipyridamole without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medication
Dipyridamole is also used with aspirin to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack and to prevent another heart attack. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Special Precautions
Before taking dipyridamole:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dipyridamole or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low blood pressure.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dipyridamole, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking dipyridamole.
What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Minor Side Effects
Dipyridamole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- stomach pain
- headache
- rash
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- flushing (feeling of warmth)
- itching
Severe Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- chest pain
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Persantine®